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What are MPAN and MPRN numbers?

Switching your electricity can seem intimidating. That’s why we’ve put together this complete breakdown of your MPAN and how it affects the price of your energy contract.

An MPAN (Meter Point Administration Number), sometimes known as a ‘Supply Number’ or 'S Number', is a number unique to a property used by energy companies to decide on your energy rates. It can be found on your electricity bill, is 21 digits long and should be presented in a format similar to the example shown here.

The home gas equivalent is the Meter Point Reference Number. More on that later!

Profile Type

Depending on whether you are a household or a commercial property you will have a different meter. Home businesses will run on a domestic meter.

Domestic Meters

There are two profile classes available to domestic properties:

01 ‘Domestic Unrestricted’, where you are charged a standard rate based on your consumption;

02 ‘Domestic Economy 7’ which includes off-peak pricing during certain hours of the night.

A table of all profile classes (including the classes Commercial properties) is shown below:

00

Half-hourly supply

01

Domestic Unrestricted

02

Domestic Economy 7

03

Non-Domestic Unrestricted

04

Non-Domestic Economy 7

05

Non-Domestic, with MD recording capability and with an LF (Loss Factor) less than or equal to 20%

06

Non-domestic, with MD recording capability and with an LF less than or equal to 30% and greater than 20%

07

Non-domestic, with MD recording capability and with an LF less than or equal to 40% and greater than 30%

08

Non-domestic, with MD recording capability and with an LF greater than 40% (also all NHH export MSIDs)

Customers in Profile Classes 05 to 08 are known as Maximum Demand (MD) customers, meaning that they require the highest amount for a certain period of time. MD customers have registers attached to their Meter Systems in order to supply the maximum demand of energy for a given period.

A Peak Load Factor (LF) is the ratio of consumption during a given period compared to the number of kWh that would have been supplied if the maximum demand had been maintained throughout that period. Put simply, the Peak Load Factor informs the customer on how much energy they could have used at maximum capacity.

Meter Timeswitch Code

The Meter Timeswitch Code determines how many meter reads and dials you electricity meter has. It also indicates at what times of the day they will operate. It will also show if your meter has two registers, one which records day consumption, the other night.

The Line Loss Factor relates to the expected cost the distribution company will charge your supplier for using the network and cables in your area. It also includes information regarding the charges incurred due to the loss of energy in getting the electricity supplier to your meter.

What Causes Line Loss?

Line Loss is energy lost in the system as it is supplied to your meter. It is estimated 7% of all electricity generated is lost through transmission.

It can occur for reasons such as inaccuracy of revenue meters, energy thefts, or un-metered errors (such as street lights). Line loss also is due to resistance in the wires transferring the electricity, which is why the further your property is from a distribution center, the more expensive your electricity is likely to be. Longer distance means longer wires, which means more resistance.

Distributor Identifier Code

The Distributor Identifier Code (or Distributor ID) is a unique number assigned to a local distribution company. The distribution company is responsible for the distribution system, wiring and infrastructure which supplies the electricity to your meter. Below is a list of Distributor ID’s and the companies they represent.

ID

Name

Operator

10

Eastern England

UK Power Networks

11

East Midlands

Western Power Distribution

12

London

UK Power Networks

13

Merseyside and Northern Wales

ScottishPower

14

West Midlands

Western Power Distribution

15

North Eastern England

Northern Power Grid

16

North Western England

Electricity North West

17

Northern Scotland

SSE Power Distribution

18

Southern Scotland

ScottishPower

19

South Eastern England

UK Power Networks

20

Southern England

SSE Power Distribution

21

Southern Wales

Western Power Distribution

22

South Western England

Western Power Distribution

23

Yorkshire

Northern Power Grid

Core MPAN (Meter Point ID Number)

The core MPAN (Meter Point ID number) is the unique code assigned to your meter.

Check Digit

The Check Digit is provided so other systems can use it to validate your MPAN.

Where can I find more information about my gas supply?

The experts at Love Energy Savings have compiled all the information you need to save you money, not only for your electricity contract, but your gas too. Read below for more information on finding the correct number for your gas supply.

What is an MPRN Number?

An MPRN number (Meter Point Reference Number) is a unique number belonging to a residential property so it can be identified by energy suppliers. It is a reference for the property’s gas, just as electricity uses an MPAN number (Meter Point Administration Number).

How will I know what to look for?

Your MPRN number is easy enough to locate - it has 6 to 10 digits and will appear on every one of your gas bills. It is often referred to as an ‘M Number’ (so there’s no need for confusion if the term ever comes up).

It is vital that you understand your MPRN number, and what it entails. If it starts with 74 or 75 then your home is supplied by an Independent Gas Transporter, which may mean your gas price is more expensive, as some suppliers charge a higher rate to customers served by independent gas transporters.

Finally, if your MPRN is not printed on your bill, or you have just moved into a new house, you can find your MPRN number by calling your supplier or the National Grid Meter Number Helpline on 0870 608 1524.